What makes Bastard Of The Blues by Helix notable?

Bastard of the Blues received positive feedback from fans and critics alike, reinforcing Helix's enduring position within the Canadian rock scene. The album's title track gained notable airplay on rock radio stations, contributing to a resurgence in interest in the band's music during this period. Released in 2014, Bastard of the Blues marked Helix's return after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, Rockin' in My Outer Space. This album reflects a part of their ongoing evolution in the hard rock genre, as they sought to reconnect with both longtime fans and new listeners.

Who is Bastard Of The Blues for?

Bastard Of The Blues works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, gritty storytelling with emotional weight and mid-tempo anthems for rebellion.

How many songs are on Bastard Of The Blues?

Bastard Of The Blues has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Bastard Of The Blues

Helix · 2014

44 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock anthems driven by raw emotion and powerful riffs that confront personal and societal struggles.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bastard of the Blues — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of resilience and defiance, featuring a powerful chorus that rallies against life's adversities.
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Even Jesus (Wasn’t Loved in His Hometown) — This song stands out for its commentary on alienation and struggle, juxtaposing biblical references with personal experiences to convey a universal sense of rejection.
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Winning Is the Best Revenge — With an upbeat tempo and an empowering message, this track serves as an anthem for overcoming adversity which resonates strongly with listeners seeking motivation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong riffs and anthems but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a driving guitar riff and anthemic choruses, setting a high-energy tone.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel typical of hard rock.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics and a shift in emotional weight.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
gritty storytelling with emotional weight
mid-tempo anthems for rebellion
for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek purely instrumental experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, Bastard of the Blues marked Helix's return after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, Rockin' in My Outer Space. This album reflects a part of their ongoing evolution in the hard rock genre, as they sought to reconnect with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Stylistic neighbors: Kix· Ratt· Twisted Sister